Pursuit involves 3 law enforcement agencies in Rutherford

A suspected drunken driver took three law enforcement agencies on a dangerous and wild ride shortly after midnight Tuesday, according to a news release from the Smyrna Police Department.

The chase started at 12:35 a.m. when Smyrna Police attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding and suspicion of DUI. When the driver of the vehicle, Steven Shawl, 32, of Manchester, refused to stop for police, a pursuit ensued, according to the release.

The suspect continued to evade police through Smyrna to La Vergne, where La Vergne Police and deputies from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office were waiting to assist.

Because of the hazardous driving of the suspect, which included driving into oncoming traffic and running other vehicles off the roadway, a police vehicle was utilized to end the pursuit on Murfreesboro Road at the intersection of Waldron Road, the release states.

Upon stop, the suspect resisted arrest and fought with arresting officers, according to the release. The suspect was taken into custody and was being processed Tuesday morning by Smyrna Police for charges relating to the pursuit.

Charges will include evading arrest, resisting arrest, criminal impersonation, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, driving on a suspended license and refusal of implied consent. Shawl may face charges from La Vergne Police in relation to the pursuit as well.